Ryn:

“Two minutes, choose wisely.” I snapped

at my workers yet again, huffing at the idea that I’ve hired such dim-witted

people, I’ve always run this company with an iron fist, my new set of recruits

didn’t understand the concept of working hard, from where I’m standing I could

run circles around them and still have time to spare. Shaking my head as

Russell wrote down everything useful, which to me was nothing, none of

them passed the test. Bitterness flowed through me as I walked long strides to

my office, Russell following hot on my trail,

“Leave now” I yelled, everything seemed to be getting on my nerves more and

more, I couldn’t relax or enjoy my spare time. Always had to work, always

needed to get things done and running in a certain fashion or order. For

For example, I needed to get ready to go to Birds Island to meet with MR. Ke for

the expansion project and I couldn’t miss this deadline, the company will

suffer immensely, stuffing my bag making sure everything was in order. Russell

screwed up once before I won’t let that happen this time, I did everything on

my own.

 My office stood over the factory working and watching them scramble to finish their goal for the day was something I enjoyed watching every day, my father started this place when I was three years old. I had a thing for tigers and dragons, he designed the archive

and produce multiple creations for the likes of everyone like me as a child,

until recently I loved this place and never wanted to leave. My father died

early last year of a stroke and I never met my mother, family members told me

she dropped me off on his doorstep with a note saying, ‘she was sorry she never

told him and didn’t want me either.’ Needless to say, I didn’t want to find her

either, it was a bit messed up that she did that and didn’t bother to make some

sort of visit.  It only fuels the fire to never marry or engage in any long-term relations. Girls come to a dime a minute just lay them then leave before they wake up in the morning.  My life now revolves around my factory and keeping it going until the day I die just like my father.  Checking my last-minute appointments before leaving for the next two weeks, to work in silence at the Birds Star Island this expansion project needed the green light.

“Boss, you’re still here, this just came in, Mr. Ke is set up for tomorrow

morning at the Hotel of Stars and your room is ready for you,” Russell said as

he handed me the papers, I needed for the project pitch. Hotel of Stars was the

perfect place to have the meeting it was quiet and relaxing, and meeting them first thing in the morning just in case there was a problem I could fix before the

end of the day.

“Good Russ, has Lance arrived yet, I want to be at the airport for lunch.”

“Yes sir, he’s already arrived, your luggage has already been sent to the turmoil for

checking.

“Good, Good,” I said nodding as I walk through the skyline of the factory, no one knows

that I’m leaving for two weeks and fear they will slack off. I’ve giving

Russell’s strict orders not to let anyone in my office until I return.

“Boss,” Lance says standing with the door of the car open, I acknowledge him and sit-in

the back seat knowing the car ride will be a good thirty minutes I can catch up

on my pitch idea and prepare for lunch and dinner. I hate overspending for no

reason, dad always taught me that even if I’m on business trips I didn’t need

to gratify myself in uselessness. It was the one thing that we agreed

on even when I was in high school and college, I never spent over my monthly

limit which I live by to this day.

  A good reason for getting the room with a kitchen and living room, I have my own space

just for me.

“Sir, may I ask, what is this trip for?” Lance asked looking at me through the

rearview mirror, he was about my age thirty and a great driver I hired him

three years ago, he has kept punctual with any of my trips, he could use a

haircut and a good shave, but it’s not something I care about, his appearance

is cleaned up.

“Headed to Bird Star, for an expansion project, did you do as I asked?” I glare

over my phone, didn’t want to talk.

“Yes Sir” he smiles knowing I’ll have his *** if he messed anything up.

Just as I finished my writing, we arrive at the airport lunchroom, there weren’t

many people here, it was fine with me. Lance left knowing I was good it wasn’t far

to walk to the boarding area and I enjoyed walking alone keeping my thoughts

and ideas rolling. And just like that, I find myself walking and eating through

the airport, it’s not unusual, everyone here is getting their food and flight.

‘Flight 1616 ready for takeoff’ the overhead announcer says, checking my flight

ticket making sure it was my flight, as I turned to walk to the terminal a man

nearly knocked me to the floor running past me like his life depended on it as

if he was in more of a hurry than the rest of us. Shaking off the rude asshole

walking, I notice a woman scrambling to pick her things up guessing the *** hit

her too.

“Here,” I said handing her a set of papers on the floor close by,

“Thank you so much, oh god that man,” she smiled, I just turned and walked into the

boarding ramp, she followed. Was she getting on the same flight? My

first-class seat was perfect and quiet just the way I like it.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Dude this is my seat.” The man that bumped me and the woman

shouts at another passenger, who didn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing, and judging

by the way, he was standing he had one too many drinks this early in the day.

“Sir, please sit in this seat, it’s one seat in front of him,” the hostess said with a

smile, obviously trying to defuse the situation, but it didn’t seem that way

with the drunkard.

“Fine only because your pretty babe!” he laughed, it made me want to hurl.

She just smiled and walked away, probably to tell the other hostess’ not to serve him alcohol

which would be a great call for this flight. Good thing it was only a

three-hour flight. Opening my phone to play a game or read but opting out and

catching a quick nap damn airport food didn’t sit right either, first thing when

I land is throwing up. The flight was over shortly after I woke up, the same sky

and the same ocean. Nothing was different from the last I was here, rolling my

eyes at the increasing hatred I held for this place after all these years, I

sat waiting patiently as the plane landed I always waited until the last person

was off the plane before I got out of my seat.

 Walking down the plane’s stairs, watching as families and newlyweds giggled and pointed to the boat as they board ready for the last leg of their journey to Birds Island. Stopping short

seeing a young lady standing at the top of the hill, looking around thinking

maybe she had a husband close by. Her hair and skirt was blowing in the wind

just a bit, the sun bouncing off her black hair making it shimmer,

“Excuse me,” I said in a soft tone, she was blocking the pathway to the boat,

not even sure we were headed in the same direction.  Keeping my head down most of the boat ride just so no one would feel eager to chat with me.  Before no time at all, I was at the hotel face to face with the manager who is telling me that a new worker had overbooked my

room to a family and noticed not long after we docked that wallet was stolen.

“You must have something else?” I said, hoping that sleeping under the stars wasn’t in my cards tonight.

“Sir, I’m really sorry, the trainee made a mistake and double booked the room, the family

has already check-in,” the manager said, trying any way she could to get me to leave, but I had nowhere to stay.

“Then book my payment for another room?” I snapped,

“We have no vacates Sir,”

“DAMN IT!” slamming my fist down on the desk,

“Excuse me, Sir, I have two beds in my room you can bunk there until morning,” turning to

the voice finding the same girl from the plane and boat, she was here too.

“I guess I don’t have much of a choice.” I jerked hiding the fact that she was giving off

some odd vibes, why was she here, and was she alone. Maybe it was just something

to think about later before I could speak my stomach some nasty loud growling

sounds smiling at it.

“Do you need food too?” she said quietly, guess she could hear my stomach too, and

without my money, I can’t buy myself anything.

“What is your name?” I said in a softer tone little less angry about sharing a room,

“Aroura, you?” stopping mid-step with her eyes locked on mine those glass blue eyes,

soul-stealing, it only made me even more curious as to who is she and why would

any man leave her alone, pale skin to complement those eyes with a round face

and her black wavy hair down her back, where a nice light pink shirt and blue

flowy skirt, to say the least, she looked perfect.

“Ryn Chen” I held out my hand to greet her, watching as she hesitated to shake my

hand.

“I will repay you for dinner tonight, shall we” resting my hand on her upper back as I

escort her to the dining hall.

“So why are you here?” I asked looking up from the menu.

“Vacation and you?”

“Work, how long are you staying?”

“Two weeks and you?”

“Same,” our conversation bounced smoothly throughout dinner, and even as we walked to the

room, it obvious she was nervous and scared.  I knew exactly why too, she’s down anything remotely close to evening kissing a man. I would bet money on it and there was only one way to find out.

Following close behind her when the door opened, a devilish grin spread across

my face seeing that the room only had one bed and this was going to be too easy,

at least I can have some fun before bed. Pinning her to the wall as she turned,

“What?”  she couldn’t complete her sentence,

“Why would you invite a stranger into your room if you’re not willing,” I

snapped, she had to realize not everyone is nice and sweet.

“I… I…” she stuttered and before I got the chance to release her, she the most unimaginable

thing ever,

“Fuck!” I yelled with a hint of amusement as she locked herself in the bathroom, rubbing

my pride while laughing trying hard not to cry there went my chance to

reproduce.

“Aroura, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, truly I’ll sleep on the floor” saying

after knocking on the door.

“If I come out, you will put all jokes away, that wasn’t funny, you are right, you’re a

stranger,” her voice from through the door,

“I promise,” giving her the same tone of voice I used earlier with the manager.

“I’m sorry, but if you want to hold onto your virtue don’t invite strange men into false

pretenses,” saying as I tied the side of the blankets together, not looking at

her, I figured she was a ****** from the moment she invited her, she didn’t

look me in the eye to get me any manly ideas.

“Night,” I said, laying down, I had enough excitement for one day.

Aurora:

Waking up to a beeping machine, my head was so heavy, and the room was spinning

out of control, I remember holding the most beautiful baby ever, she was just

born I was in charge of cleaning her and returning her to her parents. My eyes

focus on Mom, cocking my head to the side trying to figure out why she seemed

so down.

“OH, Doctor, she’s awake,” Mom whimpered as our eyes meant, she had been crying

but why?

“Aurora, welcome back to the land,” Dr. Chad said holding a clipboard smiling,

it was a fake smile, he had been my friend for over ten years and had always

told me the truth, never hiding anything, but right now, at this moment he’s

hiding something big, something indescribable and I don’t know what it is

either. My brain was running through all the possible scenarios that can cause

dizzy spells, blackouts, nausea, and fatigue, but nothing fit the bill,

Pregnant ‘Nope’

High Blood sugar ‘Nope’

Heart disease ‘Nope’

“We did some work up, you’ve been out for a full day and it worried me so with

your mother's permission I ran a Ct, MRI, and blood, findings were…” he looked at

the floor classic sign of my best friend trying not to tell me. With glossing

eyes, he looked back at me, he was about to cry…

“What is it? What’s wrong?” I rushed to sit up only to be

knocked back by the dizziness.

“Aurora, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but there’s something wrong with your heart, we can do surgery, but that would only give you a couple of extra weeks, but as of now eight months is the longest I can give you” he hung his head low watching as my eyes welled up, mom was in hysterics, this couldn’t be happening. I didn’t smoke or do drugs of any sort, socially

drank once or twice a month.

“I need to leave, unhook me now” I snapped, anger and sadness

in me, as those words sunk in, my world was spinning out of control and the only thing I could think of was why me?

“You should stay for a day or two, let me run some more tests,” Chad said, but

the look on his face said everything this was the end and there was nothing

more he could do.

  What grand plan could god have for me if I died now? I never married, had kids, never done all those amazing and dramatic things I read about in books and now I only had eight

months live, this was too much for me. Walking out of the hospital with Mom

helping me to the car,

“I don’t want to die here, I want to be somewhere else,” I

said, listening to her sniffle, she didn’t want me to leave, but I know it would

be best for her. I told her ‘I’m not having the surgery I’m going to live the

rest of my life in peace on the beach, I’ll make all the needed arrangements

for you,’ she didn’t need that burden.

The pain she will endure after I die will be unimaginable and I didn’t want her trying to mourn and have the finical hassle. Most of the time driving home I thought of somewhere I could go to

blend in and stand out at the same time, packing to just hit the road, for now,

if I stayed here it would only hurt more to see my mom watch me whether away.

Once we returned home, I went straight to my room, didn’t want to waste any more

time.

Laying everything out on my bed,

Clothes, Tablet, Passport, Wallet.

Packing my suitcase and over shoulder bag ready to leave this city behind,

“Aroura, where are you going?” Mom asked as she walked into my

room, obliviously seeing the suitcase and laid out items.

“Mom, I need to go away for some time,”

“Please no, we can get another opinion, you’re fine I’m sure

of it.” She pleads, but deep in her heart she knew as well as me, Chad would

never lie about something like this.

“Mom just let me go” I sigh, hugging her one last time, it

made be the last time we are face to face.

“You can’t leave, please! I don’t want to wait around for that phone call,” I shook my head at her knowing she didn’t need to wait around, she needed to pretend I was on vacation and that was it,

“Just think of it this way I’m going on vacation and when I

come back, I’ll be at peace.” I smiled kissing her on the forehead.

“Call every morning, we can talk with coffee” she smiled with

reluctance to let me go, smiling as I left.

 On my way to the airport, I took a minute to think and reminisce about my life as I was now. Just an everyday average girl, a bit of a hopeless romantic waiting for the perfect

man to marry and live old with, it was always my dream. Throughout elementary

and high school, I had perfect attendance and even in college never missed a

day or got sick. I always had my head stuck in a book, working hard to get where I

am.

Hated when my roommates would have parties making it impossible to study, looking back now I wish I had fun and partied hard too. Pulling up at the airport I made my final decision to go to

Bird Stars island.

A beautiful carefree island with maybe less than

two-hundred-thousand people on it, the only way there was to take a plane to Cove

Launch then a boat to the island. It would be the perfect place to live out the

rest of my life, and I would even forget my sickness once I’m there.

Ordering a ticket and grabbing lunch before takeoff, sighing deeply I felt fine, the dizziness had subsided, nothing felt off at any point. Chad gave me papers a list of can-do’s and can’t dos now is the perfect time to read it.

*Eat a healthy diet,

*Maintain medication

*Rest enough, no overstress

*No alcohol

*No drugs

*No spontaneous actives

Rolling my eyes at the last one, like that will ever happen now.

‘Attention passengers, Flight 1616 is ready for takeoff’ packing up my stuff

heading to the terminal, this is the last time I will be here alive, sighing as

I silently say goodbye to Mom and Chad. I wasn’t fast enough, as

soon as I stood a man bumped into me knocking everything in my hands onto the

floor.

“Shit” I seared as I rushed to pick everything up the last thing

I needed to lose something important,

“Here Miss,” another man said as he handed me a stack of

papers, caught off guard by his corked smile,

“Thank you” I laughed rushing onto the boarding ramp, damn

man almost made me miss my flight. I was nearly running to get to my seat

before the flight attendants come to check seats.

“I’m sorry, miss,” I smiled as I nearly knocked a lady over trying to get to my

seat, this was nerve-wracking all I wanted was a smooth comfortable flight.

“Attention Passengers thank you for flying Bird eyes Flights,

will you please fasten seat belt and remain seated until cleared take off.”

One of the attending’s said with a smile, standing at the front of the plane.

Looking around seeing so many different people just sitting and waiting, a baby

babbled from behind me, the child’s mother shushed him. It made me smile about the

love and affection she held for her child. Not long after the announcement, we

took off, sighing deeply as I officially started the end of my life vacation.

“Attention

passengers, please fasten your seat belt for landing, thank you,” Started

awaking by the announcement I didn’t realize I fell asleep; the flight was over

and next was the twenty-minute boat ride to my destination. Surprisingly I was

a little more excited than I thought I would be, more like I’ve become content

with the grim ripper walking behind me now. Looking out the window seeing the

sky and ocean, watching the wave roll all the blues and green colors so vibrant

and intoxicating. Getting a bit antsy ready to get out of this chair, feeling

my back getting stiff and sore, thinking the best thing to do when I get to

Birds island is to take another nap.

 One thing for sure was I was hungry. Just like a flash we landed, refreshed, excitement and a wave of freedom flowed through me, to forget everything and everyone even it’s just for a minute.

Taking in the beautiful scenery, the blue sky, birds flying, clouds almost

forgetting the people around me rushing to get to the boat for the following

leg of my trip. Wide eye walking and relaxed free to the world, walking downhill with luggage in one hand and map in the other. The boat came into view a smile stretched across my face, my hair flowing in the breeze, the wind was barely blowing my skirt blowing slightly.

“Excuse me!” turning to the voice finding the same man that helped me before boarding

the plane. That smile again, obviously I was blocking him from moving.

“Oh… I’m sorry sir,” hurrying to move aside, watching his tall stature walk away from

me.

He was nice enough to acknowledge me and not knock me over, his reddish-brown

hair flying around in the wind, he bounced down the hill, nice suit too odd I

didn’t notice a suitcase only a carry-on bag and briefcase.

“Ready for takeoff,” the horn blow as everyone sat in their seats, three rows in front of

me I noticed that man with the reddish-brown hair, was he going the same

place as me?

My phone died just as I got off the plane so calling mom was out until

later today.  Looking around this luxury boat feeling pretty wealthy right now, plush cushion seats with gold trim fancy painting lining the halls even the crew was wearing suits and nice

uniforms just like the airline people.  Everyone here looked so happy and relaxed, with smiles, laughter, and joy.

The window seat is always the best, between the sun and water splashing into my face seemed to be heaven, such a short ride it sucked when the boat docked.

“Ma’am, Excuse me, Ma’am.” I rushed to the lady that left her bag on the chair,

“Ma’am,” I touched her shoulder,

“Yes! Oh my, thank you” she laughed, holding her baby close to her cheek, I wanted

nothing more but to see me with a baby.

“You’re welcome” smiling as I cooed the baby, maybe a little more than eight months

old.  Frozen to my spot even though I was

on the docks, nothing could budget me at that minute, the most maleficent sky in

the distance, the sunset was always my favorite time of day hands down, the vibrant

colors that plastered all over the sky, just perfect staring at the blue fade

into red then orange then blue again to meet the ocean clouds barely visible.

“Miss,” the captain tapped my shoulder, of course, I had been standing here for

far too long and needed to leave the docks.  A good ten-minute walk to the hotel, but for me, it took a good fifteen too busy ohh and ahhing the scenery Birds Island was called paradise, but never did I think it was. Green trees everywhere for shade from the sun, that

is now fully set, two roads one leading to the beach and one leading up the

mountain.

The hotel on the outside looked old school, if I didn’t know any better I would’ve

thought it was a run-down old shack, two swinging seats on the porch, white

pecked fence around the stairs, and deck dark green doors open while to guest

and a brick foundation. Red carpet to welcome with, a tray of treats on the table

in the lounge area, white couches with red trim. It wasn’t very crowded just

two people at the desk, noticing the man from the plane and boat, he was

staying here as well. The receptionist seemed to be a little upset,

“DAMN IT!” he slammed his hand down making every including me jump, walking up

to the desk,

“Checking in,”

Listening in on his conversation,

“How could you give my already booked room to someone else, some jerk stole my wallet I

can’t book another room until morning,”

“Sir, I’m sorry, the trainee made a mistake and double booked the room, the family

has already check-in,” the manager was trying hard to defuse the situation, but

lady, the man going to blow his lid.

“Then book my payment for another room?”

“We have no vacates Sir,”

Turning to the receptionist that was helping me,

“Have a nice stay, Miss,” she spoke as she handed me my room key.

Now or never my brain was going in overdrive,

“Excuse me, Sir, I have an extra bed in my room you can bunk there until morning,” I said, with my head slightly down didn’t want to give him the wrong impression.

“Can I sleep on the couch?” he said the manager, only to be told no,

“I guess I don’t have much of a choice.” He snapped,

“Do you need food too?” I said quietly, knowing he lost his wallet doubt he could get

anything to eat until morning.

“What is your name?” he said in a softer tone little less angry about sharing a room,

shaking my head as I looked up to him, his eyes widen slightly, caramel brown eyes, matching his tan skin and diamond shape face, small nose completely the

masterpiece. He could pass as a model,

“Aroura Lee, you?” seriously trying not to trip over my words,

“Ryn Chen” he held his hand, shanking it I did,

“I will repay you for dinner tonight, shall we” he guested to the dining hall of the

hotel, tables set up like fancy restaurants, servers wore white chef suits. I

couldn’t stop myself from thinking this is a date, even though I knew it’s

wasn’t I wanted to believe it?

“So why are you here?” he asked looking up from the menu

“Vacation and you?”

“Work, how long are you staying?”

“Two weeks and you?”

“Same,”

As we ordered, we shot questions back and forth, he seemed to be genuinely nice

and caring, food arrived seeing his plate made my mouth water, he had steamed

shrimp alfredo, I order clam soup with a burger something I’ve never had

before, most of the dinner we spent laughing at each other’s jokes, he told me

about his plan to build an expansion space for his Dragon park. It took my mind

off the fact that after tonight I’ll probably never see him again and that

eight months from now, I’ll be in a coffin, that was one thing I will not be

tell him.

Walking through the halls headed to my room smiling endlessly, he’s a sweet talker that

was good for one thing and that wasn’t on the agenda for me.

“This is it,” I said holding the key card,

“I really appreciate this,” he smiled, walking into the room, standard big room with a

small lounge area off to the side and bathroom on the other side, walking into

the room fully stopping when my eyes set on the mixed visible, one bed!

“Umm, “

“Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle if you need,” his voice was different, turning to smack

into his chest as he pinned me against the wall,

“What?”  I couldn’t even look at him, this wasn’t the same man that helped me twice today.

“Why would you invite a stranger into your room, if you’re not willing,”

“I… I…” fighting back tears, only one thing came to mind, connecting my knee to his pelvis.

Running to the bathroom locking the door,

“Fuck!” he laughed,

Not sure why the hell he was laughing I didn’t see anything funny though.

“Aroura, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, truly I’ll sleep on the floor” he laughed knocking on the door, but now I didn’t trust him,

“If I come out, you will put all jokes away, that wasn’t funny, you are right, you’re a stranger,” I said through the door,

“I promise,” he said in the tone of the voice he used earlier with the manager. Fighting against my better judgment I unlock the door founding he had already made a bed on the floor and his sitting

down.

“I’m sorry, but if you want to hold onto your virtue don’t invite strange men into your room with false pretenses,” he said not moving from his spot.

“Night then,” I said, laying down on the bed.

Ryn:

Waking up before the alarm and sun, just to clean up and order room service. As I ate toast, I wrote Aroura a note apologizing for offending her in any way. Every few minutes I would lookup

seeing her sleeping soundly and peacefully, she had trouble falling asleep last

night because of what I did it was no surprise any woman would be terrified, and I was too stupid to think twice.

 Walking down the halls thinking of where a good place would be to think, of course, the beach. It was a good two hours before I met with Mr.Ke, I didn’t have any of my blueprints or pitch rundowns, I was currently the most unprepared person for this meeting, but the only that kept coming to mind was Aroura’s beautiful face. The invasion in my mind was becoming a hassle, I just wanted to run into the room and kiss her to know what her lips felt

like. Sitting on the beach trying to think, but nothing, and I mean nothing

every time I started with an idea, she would jump into my head again. Checking

my watch wasn’t any better, starving and pissed wasn’t a good combination.

“Hi,” that voice, I spun around faster than a bullet finding her, Aroura standing there

with a smile, a breeze from the waves flipped her hair everywhere.

“Hi,”

“I got your note, thank you and I thought maybe you were hungry so here,” she held out a

box.

“Sit, join me,” I said before she had a chance to leave.

“Did you find your things?” she asked, biting into her sandwich

“No, but I’m going to the police station to pick up my wallet later,”

“That’s great, clothes you can replace, but wallets are a lot more personal,” her smile

caught my eye, I’ve never taken the moment to look at a female the way

I’m looking at her, her beauty radiating off the sunshine and ocean breeze.

“Yea, would you like to go with me, do some site seeing.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?” that smile and laughter, if she wanted it to be a

date then ok, I’m up for anything that includes her.

After breakfast we parted ways me off to my meeting and her off to enjoy a swim on

the beach, agreeing to meet at noon to go site seeing. Normally I’m cold and

calculated also on point with everything in work and life, my personal life

never intertwines with work. Walking back into the lobby headed to the

restaurant adjusting my jacket and tie, looking for anything out of the

ordinary,

“Ryn, wait” spinning to that voice spotting Aroura running to me.

“You left this,” she handed me the folder of blueprints I thought I left in my suitcase.

“Guessing it was important,” I could feel my eyes widen and jaw-dropping, nothing stopped

me from engulfing her in a very tight hug,

“Thank you so much,”

“Your welcome, go! See you later.” She laughed then ran off again.

Staring down at the folder I had no idea what’s going on with me, she didn’t have to

return it, she didn’t need to be nice to me.

Added a smile to my walk, as I sat reading through the pitch making sure I memorized it

perfectly. Mr.Ke’s a difficult man to handle, he’s lived here for over thirty

years owning and maintaining this island since his wife passed away ten years ago,

it was the last time he agreed to have any type of fun park idea. My idea was to

create a theme park of Mystic creatures, full of games and sports, also to have

our mechanical creatures wandering around aimlessly.

“Mr. Chen, what a pleasure to meet you in person,” Mr.Ke said standing on the other side

of the table.

“Mr.Ke likewise, this is such a beautiful place.” I chimed, gesturing for him to sit

across from me. He’s sat straight, aged face with wrinkles and dark circles

under his eyes, wearing a suit standard black with a white shirt and gold

cufflinks.

“So, after much deliberation, I’ve given it so much thought,” he sighed drinking some

water reading thought the plans, he had a crooked smile telling me that maybe,

just maybe I had the green light in the bag.

“Sir,” growing impatient, but didn’t want to show it.

“I wanted to meet the CEO in person before I agreed or not, and seeing that you not only

took the time to come here, but you stayed willingly after you’re luggage and

wallet were misplaced that tells me, YES! You have the green light because fate

made you stay beyond limits.” He smiled handing back the prints, we ate and

chatted more after that, but nothing could describe the excitement boiling

inside me. Among the excitement, Aroura kept jumping into my mind, guessing

Mr.Ke caught onto it.

“A girl got you ye?” he laughed shaking his head,

“I just meant her yesterday, she welcomed me to share her room until I got my wallet,

and this morning we sat on the beach just talking, I’ve never had that before.”

Shaking my head unsure why I just spilling my heart on the table to him, maybe

I can trust people I don’t just base on the fact that this island is magical.

“Go celebrate with her,”

“Oh, no I don’t want to bother her like that, she’s on vacation,”

“Alone? Thinking by the look on your face, go have fun,” he laughed.

I didn’t need any more encouragement, nearly ran to the room my heart felt like it

was going to explode. Thinking of what I could say, ‘Let’s celebrate,’ I had a

bottle of champagne, but I didn’t want her to think I wanted to do anything.

Reaching for the door handle, everything froze at the sound of her sobs from the other

the side lost track of my brain when my body took over, opening the door finding

her on the floor drenched in tears, her face red and swollen.

 I didn’t say anything as our eyes meant I engulfed her in my arms just holding her tight.

Looking around while she sobbed thinking maybe someone hurt her or she lost

something important it wasn’t until my eyes landed on hospital papers. A good

twenty minutes passed before sleep took over, she cried herself to sleep.

Gently lifting her to put her in the bed, running to the bathroom to get a

washrag, she didn’t need to wake up with snot everywhere.

 Sitting on the chair debating to read the papers or not, maybe she would tell me when she was more comfortable or maybe she’s scared that I’ll pity whatever was wrong. The only

thing I knew was if something was wrong I could handle it, and I wanted

nothing but to be around her even if she only saw me as a friend. Reading the

papers against my better judgment, I’ll just pretend that I don’t know

anything. Feeling tears welling up as the words come into focus Cancer stage3, eight

to ten months left to live. Like getting hit by a truck, you think you’ve found

that one person that you just can’t live without, and she’s dying. Instead of

celebrating I now wanted to crawl into bed next to her and just hold her,

that’s exactly what I did too, if she wakes up screaming and hit me, I’ll take

it, but I’m never leaving her side and it’s not pity I don’t know what it is

yet.

“I promise to make you happy until your last day.” I kissed her forehead holding her tight

as tears left my eyes.